Alleged Durban parrot thief arrested
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the African Grey parrot that went missing from a pet shot in Umhlanga on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane says the man is due in the Verulam Magistrate's Court.
"He has been released from police custody on R1 000 bail. He will appear in court on Monday," Zwane said.
Durbanites were shocked this week after video footage of the theft from Julie's Pet shop at the Gateway Shopping Centre went viral on social media.
It showed a man in the store with his young son and daughter.
Shop assistant, Leroy Mpofu told Newswatch the girl went to distract other assistants in the store.
Her father can then be seen removing the small bird from a box.
He then unzips his son's sweater and places the bird inside it before they leave the shop.
The parrot was found yesterday at a house in Verulam and returned to the shop.
Zwane says it's still being decided whether the case of the young boy should be handed over to the Social Development department.
It's not yet clear what the fate of the girl is.
(Photo: Chanelle Lutchman)